The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that one of its helicopters made a precautionary landing in Benue State after completing an air-support mission targeting suspected kidnappers.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, October 7, as the helicopter was returning to base after providing close air support to ground troops operating in Ogbadigbo Local Government Area, near the boundary between Benue and Enugu states.
In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the operation disrupted the activities of suspected criminal elements and supported the advance of ground forces.
According to the Air Force, the pilot exercised professional discretion to land approximately 10 nautical miles from the airfield after completing the mission.
The service explained that the decision was consistent with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions.
It further confirmed that the helicopter had returned to base, although it did not publicly disclose further technical details about the circumstances surrounding the landing.
Eyewitnesses Report Landing on Farmland
Earlier reports indicated that the helicopter landed on farmland in the Utur Tse-Igboji community of Makurdi, Benue State, along the Welfare Quarters–Mopol 13 Ring Road corridor.
Eyewitness accounts reported that the aircraft came down in an open field, prompting residents to gather around the scene.
Initial reports suggested that the helicopter might have developed a technical fault. However, the Air Force’s subsequent explanation described the landing as a precautionary decision by the pilot.
The official statement did not identify a mechanical failure as the cause of the landing.
Incident Follows Fatal Military Aircraft Crash in Ondo
The Benue incident occurred shortly after a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on October 5, killing all 25 people on board, according to the Air Force.
The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos when the crash occurred.
The tragedy prompted President Bola Tinubu to order an investigation into the cause of the accident and declare three days of national mourning.
Although the Benue helicopter incident ended with the aircraft returning safely to base, its timing has drawn renewed public attention to the safety of Nigerian military aviation operations.
There is, however, no official evidence linking the two incidents.
Air Force Reaffirms Commitment to Security Operations
The Nigerian Air Force said it would continue providing air support to ground troops as part of ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities and improve security in affected communities.
The operation in Benue forms part of military efforts to disrupt suspected kidnapping networks and support security personnel operating in vulnerable areas.
The circumstances surrounding the precautionary landing have not been described in further technical detail by the Air Force, but the service confirmed that the helicopter returned to base after the incident.
The development underscores the role of military air support in ongoing security operations across Nigeria, particularly in areas facing persistent threats from kidnappers and other armed criminal groups.
